Chrysanthemum plant named Ryflash

ABSTRACT

A Chrysanthemum plant named Ryflash having intense red ray floret color (upper surface), with the reverse side of the ray florets being generally gold. The mature disc florets are bright yellow, providing a distinct contrast with the ray florets.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar ofChrysanthemum morifolium, hereinafter referred to by the cultivar nameRyflash.

Ryflash is a product of a planned breeding program, and was originatedby Frank Rowe (deceased) from a hybridization made in a controlledbreeding program in Wellington, Somerset, England in 1979. The male andfemale parents are not known at this time.

Ryflash was discovered and selected as one flowering plant within theprogeny of the cross by Frank Rowe in approximately November 1979 in acontrolled environment in Wellington, Somerset, England. The first actof asexual reproduction of Ryflash was accomplished when vegetativecuttings were taken by Frank Rowe from the initial selection in February1980 in a controlled environment in Wellington, Somerset, England.Horticultural examination of subsequently selected units hasdemonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosedfor Ryflash are firmly fixed and are retained through successivegenerations of asexual reproduction.

Ryflash has not been observed under all possible environmentalconditions. The phenotype may vary significantly with variations inenvironment such as temperature, light intensity, and day length. Thefollowing observations, measurements and comparisons describe plantsgrown in Wellington, Somerset, England under greenhouse conditions whichapproximate those generally used in commercial practice.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined tobe basic characteristics of Ryflash, which in combination distinguishthis Chrysanthemum as a new and distinct cultivar:

1. The ray floret color, upper surface, is intense deep red. The undersurface is generally gold.

2. Daisy or single type.

3. The petals have a velvet texture.

4. The disc florets when mature are yellow, thereby providing a centerwhich has a sharp, pleasant contrast with the red floret color.

5. Heavy pollen.

6. Large dark leaves.

Of the many commercial cultivars known to the present inventor, the mostsimilar in comparison to Ryflash is Red Tuneful. In comparison to RedTuneful, Ryflash has larger flowers, more flowers, the flower color is adarker red, and larger leaves. The response, flower type, and discfloret color are similar to those same characteristics of Red Tuneful.

The accompanying photographic drawing shows typical inflorescence andfoliage characteristics of Ryflash, with colors being as nearly true aspossible with illustrations of this type.

In the following description, color references are made to The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart.

Classification:

Botanical.--Chrysanthemum morifolium, cv. Ryflash.

Commercial.--Cut spray.

INFLORESCENCE

A. Capitulum:

Form.--Flat.

Type.--Single.

Diameter across face.--75-85 mm.

B. Corolla of ray florets:

Color (general tonality from a distance of three meters).--Red.

Color (upper surface).--46A.

Color (lower surface).--Generally gold.

C. Corolla of disc florets:

Color (mature).--Yellow.

Color (immature).--Green.

D. Reproductive organs:

Androecium.--Present only in disc florets; numerous.

Gynoecium.--Present in both disc and ray florets; numerous.

PLANT

A. General appearance:

Height.--85 cm.

B. Foliage:

Color (upper surface).--137B.

Color (under surface).--Lighter than 137B.

Shape.--Pinnately lobed.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct Chrysanthemum plant named Ryflash, asillustrated and described, and parts thereof.